PCC Courier 02/13/2014 by PCC Courier

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VOLUME 109 ISSUE 4

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Senate still at odds with President

Daron Grandberry Staff Writer

SCHOOLS page 3

February 13, 2014

Public transportation is not meant for everyone, but it facebook.com/ pcccourier is definitely an unforgetable experience.

Rocha to faculty: hold the laughs Tempers flared, our school president was laughed at, and important questions still remain unanswered as President Mark Rocha met with faculty members from the School of Humanities last week in the C Building. Faculty members touched on a variety of topics ranging from money for instructional equipment to class sizes. However, the biggest elephant in the room was what faculty described as the administration’s misconduct, which includes school realignment. Headed by Amy Ulmer, Dean of the Humanities Department, the mood between the faculty members was calm and sociable. “I think the greatest concern of most faculty members right now is the administration’s refusal to follow shared governance procedures,” Language professor Mary-Erin Crook said. The mood was upbeat and calm, until President Rocha snuck in, seconds before the 12:15 p.m. start time. Things devolved from there. At one point, when Rocha explained that the reorganization of schools is designed to reduce the amount of administration on campus, faculty members made their skepticism clear. “You always want to have the smallest amount of administration possible,” Rocha said, before several faculty members

Philip McCormick and John Peters II Staff Writers

1ST PLACE FOR MEN’S B-BALL story on page 11>> Benjamin Simpson/Courier Jeffrey Dockett celebrates the win against East Los Angeles College in Monterey Park on Friday February 7, 2014. The Lancers won 73-72 in a game that went down to the last second. At 6-4, ELAC and PCC are now in first place together with three games left to play.

The Academic Senate continued to be worlds apart with the administration on numerous issues that were brought up at its meeting on Monday, according to senate members. One of the biggest issues still on the table is the senate decision to boycott the Committee on Academic and Professional Matters (CAPM) meetings, which was made at the senate’s Nov. 4 meeting. “There is nothing set in writing at these meetings,” Academic Senate President Eduardo Cairo said. “We have had issues where President Mark Rocha will promise to present what we discussed about to the Board of Trustees, but instead only presents what he wants to present.” CAPM is a forum for discussion and mutual agreement. It is the primary communication mechanism between the faculty, administration, and the Board of Trustees. Cairo said that the senate had sent stipulations on what grounds they would return to the meetings to the administration. The administration said no to these stipulations, Cairo said. “Why would we come to these meetings with no means to protect ourselves?” asked Cairo. “Rocha has shown that he will lie to us. With these meetings being recorded and on record, it would help build trust back up.”

SENATE page 2

Lancer standouts ready for next level: Division 1 Matthew Kiewiet Staff Writer

Despite a 1-9 record last year, the Lancers football team will send two players to Division I football programs after defensive standout Dalyou Pierson accepted a scholarship to Iowa State and star tackle Miguel Machado committed to Michigan State. Pierson, a sophomore, led the Southern California Football Association with 11.5 sacks this season to add to his already staggering resume. The two-time All-National Northern Con-

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ference selection finished his sensational career with 14 sacks, 112 total tackles, and 28 tackles for a loss. Expect to see Pierson spending a lot of time in opposing teams’ backfields during his time with the Cyclones. “The ceiling just got raised,” said PCC Head Coach, Fred Fimbres, in reference to Pierson’s potential at the next level. “When players don’t have to worry about paying rent, and buying food, they have a better chance to flourish. They’ll be able to focus on just athletics and academics.”

Billy Skelly/Courier, Sports Information Dalyou Pierson, left, will go on to Iowa State as a defensive lineman. Star tackle Miguel Machado, right, will go to Michigan State.

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NEWS

2 COURIER

February 13, 2014

PETA2 shows ‘Glass Walls’ Janel Leonard Staff Writer

“The time will come when men such as I will look upon the murder of animals as they now look upon the murder of men,” said legendary renaissance man Leonardo Da Vinci. Perhaps the time has come. Last week, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) visited the campus as part of PETA2, a four-month youth outreach program featuring an exhibit called “Glass Walls” touring across the nation. “We want to pull back the curtain from animal cruelty,” said Kenneth Montville, the college campaign coordinator for PETA2. “This exhibit focuses on industrialized factory farming and

Charles Winners/Courier Mayra Dominquez-Perez (Left) and Richard Terriquez (Right) react to the graphic video PETA displayed at PCC about animal abuse in the food industry.

the not so pretty truth behind it. We visit colleges, which is usually where students first get their freedom to form their own values and opinions through their own experiences.” The tent was set up in the quad and resembled a barn. Walking inside, different posters were set up like a maze and re-

vealed some uncomfortable facts about how we get some of our meat. In the back of the tent, an 8-minute video played showing how the factory farmed animals were born and raised in the same cage, and how they came to die. Factory farming is defined as a system of rearing livestock using intensive methods, confined indoors under strictly con-

College holds community ‘Visionings’ workshop to create legacy Jessica Arceo Staff Writer

Friday marked the initial “conceptual design” phase of the Centennial Facilities Master Plan when stakeholders had the opportunity to help create the vision for a new and improved PCC that would provide students with the facilities they need to be better prepared for the future. PCC President Mark Rocha laid out the five principles of safety, sustainability, light equity, active learning and creating a conducive environment for community, an approach he hopes stakeholders will incorporate into the brainstorming process as they come together to create this vision for a new PCC. He also emphasized that the work they do must create a vision that will last long after they are gone and capture the founder’s original vision of a glorious institution while still looking toward the future. “The work we’re doing here today... is significant work,” he said. Attendees were invited to discuss some of the concerns they may have and the challenges and opportunities the campus faces. The most common themes involved reaching out to the

community by partnering up with local businesses, creating more open spaces that provide a more comfortable learning environment, more use of cutting edge technology and utilizing the buildings the school does have to their fullest capabilities. Cynthia Olivo, interim associate vice president of Student Affairs, said what she heard was a need for an environment that would allow for more active learning and provide faculty and students the opportunity to connect with one another “while also paying attention to our environmental footprint and tending to the needs of the students in our large service area through satellite Campuses and Outreach and Recruitment Centers located in the community.” Joe Simoneschi, executive director of Business Services, facilitated a group discussing the topic of degree certificate programs that address marketplace needs. Olivo and others discussed the need for providing students with more marketable skills with the use of more “high-tech, high-touch” technology and reaching out to the regional and global marketplace. They were also adamant that not matter how far technology

comes, teachers should remain a vital part of the learning process and students still want that interaction with teachers. That last part of the workshop allowed the attendees to break up into three groups and interact with the three architect firms who are competing to help bring the school’s vision to life. AC Martin had groups discuss some of the things they liked and did not like in the campus. HJ and Gensler were more interactive as they provided a visual models of the campus and had stakeholders pinpoint areas of improvement. Gensler laid out a map of the school and had stakeholders write down their suggestions on sticky notes and place it on the exact areas they wanted to see improvement on or keep the same. The feedback from stakeholders will give the firms ideas for a conceptual model for a new campus that they will share some time in April, when one firm will be chosen to execute the school’s vision. “The successful architect company will have been inspired by what they heard at the visioning session and will build a PCC to serve students generations into the future,” Olivo said.

trolled conditions, practices that PETA2 vehemently opposes. Students piled in and out of the tent throughout the days PETA2 was on campus. Some students put one foot in before running back out, while others were eager to see the mystery of meat. “You can really feel it, all the emotion that these animals

SENATE Continued from page 1

General Counsel Gail Cooper wrote in an email that she has not “seen any stipulations sent to the administration by the senate.” Robert Miller, senior vice president of business and college services, said in November that the Academic Senate’s decision to not participate in CAPM meetings made it very difficult to transact the business of the college, which is to support teaching, learning and students. “This action places students and faculty in jeopardy and places the college’s accreditation at risk,” Miller said. The administration will also implement a block schedule for Summer 2014, according to Cairo. That schedule was never approved or talked about with the senate before its implementation. “A block schedule seeks to create a framework for course scheduling that prevents overlap,” said Matt Jordan, interim associate dean of General Education. “Students can schedule all of their classes backto-back or with small breaks rather than a six-hour break between the classes that they need.” Student Trustee Simon Fraser

go through,” said Stephanie Diedezma, botany, shared her experience after exiting the tent. “It’s hard to see but it’s real.” The exhibit plans to expose students across the nation to the harsh reality of animal cruelty—particularly factory farming— and hopes to spark the next generation of vegans and activists. concurred. “I was one of those students who had that problem,” Fraser said. “We have seen too often students unable to get a decent set of classes purely because of a five or 10 minute overlap. I think that we absolutely needed change.” Currently, courses are scheduled by divisions and they use their own scheduling conventions, Jordan said. Cairo said the Academic Senate has not seen data that proves a block schedule is going to improve student success. The Academic Senate would like the current scheduling process maintained while they have a chance to review the schedule in more detail and have all of their questions answered. “The Senate never opposes change so long as you can prove that the change is for the better,” Cairo said. Jordan said scheduling does not fall within the shared governance guidelines, so the administration is not required to seek faculty input. Cairo said that the senate would continue to talk about these issues at its future meetings. He said that they would decide what to do regarding the boycott against the CAPM meetings now that the administration had said no to the senate’s stipulations. Concepcion Gonzalez/ Courier Dan Haley and Eduardo Cairo, left, talk about the boycott against the Committe on Academic and Professional Matters (CAPM) meetings on Monday.

NEWS

February 13, 2014

COURIER

AS discusses priority registration changes Jessica Arceo Staff Writer

As Executive Board members of the Associated Students gathered Wednesday to give an update on the status of their activities and to discuss budgets, the topic of added enrollment priorities created a platform for differing opinions on the way priority enrollment should be decided. The members were asked to review the changes that were made to the Enrollment and Class Scheduling Priories Policy in which first priority would be given to fully matriculated new and continuing military veterans, foster youth, Extended Opportunity Program students, Disabled Student Programs and Services students and Cal Work students. Second priority would be given to graduating and graduation initiative students. Students in their first year of the Pathways program would be third in line. Fully matriculated students in their second and third year of pathways, athletes, elected associated students executive board members and international students would have fourth priority. While Chief Justice of the Supreme Council, Thomas Hatfield, said he liked that students who are ready to graduate or

SCHOOLS Continued from page 1

broke into laughter. “It’s not pleasant to be laughed at,” Rocha interjected. The mood of the meeting remained contentious throughout, and faculty were unhappy with Rocha’s responses. “It was really the first time I’ve been able to observe the interaction between faculty members and the President,” Language professor Steve Pell said. “My observation is that the

transfer are getting the classes they need, he did not agree with giving first year students, whether they are in the Pathways program or not, priority enrollment over continuing students. “We’re still stuck in the process of these students who have every class they need to take, over students who have a more limited class pool to choose from,” he said. Student Trustee Simone Fraser didn’t agree as he pointed out that studies have shown that the Pathways programs helps students stay focused on the taking the classes they need and increases their chances of graduating on time. “They desperately need those classes, they’re the students that need remediation,” he said. After getting more clarification from other members on how Pathways works and the fact that there are specific classes that are somewhat tailored to the program, Hatfield withdrew his objection. President Orozco felt Fraser’s points were valid and had the same thoughts but he saw it more as an issue of equity as their positions require a certain GPA and unit minimum in addition to the work they do in office.

President never really comes in knowing what he’s going to talk about and the inability to answer a question completely. There’s not really much substance [from President Rocha]. He’s not communicating very well or clearly.” President Rocha said he proposed a return to the department chair model three years ago, but the faculty members aren’t in agreement with that proposal either. “I proposed three years ago that we needed to return to the department chair model,” Rocha said. “The faculty department chair’s would

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“I think we do above and beyond what a normal student should do, and I think we invest a lot of our hearts and minds into these meetings as well as into the school itself,” Orozco said. While Eric Bustamante, vice president for Academic Affairs, also agreed with the concerns Fraser brought up, he views having priority enrollment as a way to be more effective as it would allow them to

make the academic management decisions of their disciplines.” But contrary to Rocha’s stated position, faculty believes realignment will add more administrative red tape. “The faculty objected the realignment because it puts more layers of management in between faculty and upper man-

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have a schedule that would give them the time they need to provide students with better service and representation. “In reality we act as the liasons between students and adminstration and things that are happening in campus,” he said. In the end, members moved to approve support of the enrollment and class schedules priorities policy with recommended changes.

agement,” languages professor Mary-Erin Crook said. “It also does the same for the students, If the student have a problem there are more and more steps the student has to take. Department Chairs’ have awful lot of work and the compensation isn’t really adequate. Department Chairs don’t have

the powers that a Dean has and I think that’s part of the idea, they want to disempower the divisions and the faculty.” Ultimately, faculty members insist that Rocha’s handling of realignment is one of many examples of him undermining the shared governance process.

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Letter to PCC President Rocha from Concerned Faculty To: President Rocha CC: Campus Community Date: Feb. 12, 2014

n To date, the administration has provided no student success data to merit a policy of increasing the number of students per class by 20%. Students at PCC deserve reasonable class sizes to facilitate their success. In fact, the research shows that students perform better when there are fewer students in a class. Class size is determined through a process based on pedagogically sound practices, but your comments at the meeting regarding class size reflect a lack of interest in and understanding of student success. Your intention to overcrowd certain classes to serve as a source of revenue for other programs at PCC is not to the benefit of students, and this system will destine some students over others to fail. Approximately 300 full-time compared to 900 part time professors currently teach at PCC—we should reduce overcrowded classes by increasing the full-time to part-time faculty ratio if student success is indeed PCC’s goal. It is in the student’s best interest to uphold the class size limit, which is the policy that has already been established.

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Leadership

Nagisa Mihara/Courier The Associated Students Executive Board discussed priority registration policy changes at their regular meeting on Feb. 5.

Last week, the new School of Humanities and Social Sciences held a meeting at which faculty once again pointed out the ongoing problems resulting from major policy changes your administration has been imposing. In academic and professional matters, college administrators are obligated by state law (Ed Code 70902 (b)(7) to rely primarily on the advice and judgment of the faculty senate and/or reach mutual agreement. Neither has occurred. Faculty have repeatedly requested empirical evidence supporting the effectiveness of your poorly planned policy changes; our requests for information have been denied, our input ignored.

Jemel Thomas ’12

n To date, the administration has provided no data to the Board or the faculty for the August 2012 decision to eliminate the winter intersession and for changing the calendar to a tri-mester. In fact, PCC had had a winter session since 2004 but you eliminated it in 2012. A study by the calendar committee indicates that students get better

grades overall when PCC offers a winter intersession. The academic calendar is determined through year-long input from a team of faculty, staff and students, which never proposed or approved a trimester calendar. You have given multiple explanations for this change, none of which was based on data. In November 2013, the California courts ruled that PCC violated an Unfair Labor Practice by cutting out the winter session. Now you are wasting more of our students’ and our tax dollars by appealing the labor board’s decision. n To date, the administration has not presented data-based rationale for the upheaval of the school’s administrative structure, which was revealed only a week ago campus-wide, nor has campus-wide feedback been requested. Once again, no evidence exists, that a costly top-heavy administrative structure will promote our students’ academic achievement. Thousands of students are potentially affected by these wide-sweeping changes. Decisions like these need to be planned, feedback from all constituents received and considered, and data acquired, reviewed and analyzed. All of this takes time and should not be done at this accelerated pace. What’s more, policies and procedures should be followed when doing so, but you and your administration circumvent them. Last year, the faculty at large gave you a vote of no confidence as did the faculty senate. The student government approved a resolution to censure the PCC administration and gave you a vote of no confidence. It should be completely clear why we continue to have no confidence in you and your leadership. Sincerely, Professors in the Humanities School (Social Sciences, Languages, ESL, English)

4 COURIER

Courier

2012 JACC General Excellence Award-Winner Editor-in-Chief Christine Michaels Managing Editor Philip McCormick Asst. News Editor John Peters II Online Editor Justin Clay Asst. Online Editors Tiffany Roesler, Aerika Dave Opinion Editor Raymond Bernal Asst. Opinion Editor Tiffany Herrera A&E Editor Samantha Molina Asst. A&E Editor Lucy Patrikian Features Editor Aubrey Quezada Asst. Features Editor Monique LeBleu Lifestyle Editor Paul Ochoa Asst. Lifestyle Editor Janel Leonard Sports Editor Daron Grandberry Asst. Sports Editor Andrew Salmi Photo Editor Antonio Gandara

OPINION

Latinos leading California Kristina Wedseltoft Staff Writer

Latinos are projected to become the largest “single racial/ ethnic group” in the state of California by March of this year, according to California Governor Jerry Brown’s new state budget. California has more than 14 million Latino residents, giving it one of the nation’s largest Latino populations—about 39 percent of the state population. New Mexico is one of the only other states where the white population is not the majority, with Latinos making up about 47 percent of its population. This shift is occurring about seven months later than anticipated, primarily due to lower Latino births.This new projection has left many in California wondering the implications of the shift in the largest racial/ ethnic group, and if this will be something good or bad for the state, especially with our proximity to Mexico. Many people assume the growth in population is a result of higher immigration rates. But, according to analysis of the U.S. Census Bureau data by the Pew Hispanic Center, births

Asst. Photo Editor Nagisa Mihara Online Photo Editor Benjamin Simpson

February 13, 2014

VOICES:

have surpassed immigration as the main reason of the growth in the U.S. Hispanic populations. For example, from 1980 to 1990 there was a growth of the Mexican-American population by 2.7 million births and 3.1 million new immigrants. But from 2000 to 2010 there was a shift and the population grew by 7.2 million from births, while only immigration accounted for only 4.2 million new people. “This surge in Mexican-Americans is attributed to the large immigration rates that brought more than 10 million to the U.S. from Mexico since 1970,” Pew’s study states.There has been a large decline in immigrant arrivals from Mexico, declining about 60 percent from 2006 to 2010. This decrease is mainly attributed to factors in both the U.S. and Mexico. The U.S. has seen a decline in job opportunities as well as increased border enforcement, making the U.S. less tempting to potential immigrants, while Mexico has recently had strong economic growth that may have reduced the factors that led to immigration. This supports the idea that in recent years there has been less immigration from Mexico and other close Latin countries

and an increase in natural born citizens. But many who worry about immigration are concerned with the rate at which immigrants make their way to the U.S. illegally. According to a report written by the Pew Research Hispanic Trends Project, the number of “unauthorized immigrants peaked in 2007 at 12 million, but has fallen since then mainly due to less immigration from Mexico.” In 2010, unauthorized or illegal immigrants from Mexico made up about 58 percent of all unauthorized immigrants. The most recent Pew Hispanic Center estimate of unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. is 11.1 million in 2011, which hasn’t seen much fluctuation. There are families who immigrate illegally, and there are also children who are born in the U.S. to unauthorized parents. According to a Pew Research Center study, in “2010 there were one million unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. under the age of 18, as well as 4.5 million U.S. born children whose parents were unauthorized.” This shift can ultimately be considered good for California because according to California’s Department of Finance, “Cal-

ifornia will remain one of the younger states for the next 20 years due to California’s diversity and because of its role as state for immigration.” This conclusion is determined from a series of projections that demonstrate how the age of different racial/ethnic groups will change over time. The Department of Finance determined that there were nearly 10 million Baby Boomers in 1990, the majority being white. But now the white baby-boomer population is aging into retirement and will most likely retire in the next two decades. As this happens, there will be a lower percentage of the working-age population that is white and a larger percentage will be Latino. The younger Latino population will be able to help maintain the potential for growth of the labor force and the economy in California. As the shift of Latinos becoming the largest single racial/ ethnic group continues, there is a lot of evidence that supports the idea that California will remain strong and continue to grow economically. This shift has been predicted to occur for quite some time and will ultimately leave California in an advantageous position.

What are your thoughts on Latinos as the majority in California?

Scene Editor Billy Skelly Social Media Editor Concepcion Gonzalez Staff Writers: Jessica Arceo, Matthew Kiewiet, Emma Koffroth, Mary Nurrenbern, Robert Tovar, Kristina Wedseltoft Staff Photographers: Joseph Adajar, Josh Balmadrid, Jorell Brittenum, Victoria De La Torre, Andrew French, Christopher Martinez, Mary Nurrenbern, Barney Soto, Daniel Valencia, Rocio Vera, Charles Winners

“Our voice doesn’t always count and as more come together, we can do something about it.” Carolina Cardiza, English

“That’s deep. I love Latinos [but] I don’t think it will really matter.”

“I don’t think it matters. It’s not we’re going to war. We’re all immigrants.”

Reggie Tripplett, business

Isai Hernandez, psychology

“I didn’t know that. I’m not surprised though.”

“Maybe this will change people’s view of California.”

“I feel like it’s different, but it’s a welcome change.”

Azariah Rivera, education

Ariel Perez, business

Manny Perez, math

“I think it’s scary. The human population itself is growing.”

“I don’t mind because I’m a different ethnicity as well.”

Kevin Vasquez, English

Cathy Dong, hotel management

“We’re all people, it doesn’t matter.” Juan Palma, computer information systems

“I don’t think it really matters. Why is it generalized?”

Faculty Adviser Nathan McIntire Photo Adviser Tim Berger Advertising Coordinator Daniel Nerio

The Courier is published weekly by the Pasadena City College Journalism Department and is a free-speech forum. Editorials and comments are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the position of the institution and its administration, student government or that of the Pasadena Area Community College District. The Courier is written and produced as a learning experience for student writers, photographers and editors in the Journalism Department. Phone: (626) 585-7130 Fax: (626) 585-7971 Advertising (626) 585-7979 Office: 1570 E. Colorado Blvd., CC-208 Pasadena, CA 91106-3215 © Copyright 2014 Courier. All rights Reserved.

Jasmin Olvera, psychology

Reporting Wedseltoft / Photos by: Daniel Valencia Reporting by: by: Kristina /Photos by:

Note to Readers Letters to the Editor The Courier welcomes letters to the editor. Letters should be about 300 words and may be edited by Courier staff. All letters must contain your full name and a correct daytime phone number. Letters can be delivered to the Courier office in CC 208 or sent by email to raymondjbernal@gmail.com Corrections The Courier staff endeavors to ensure accuracy in all aspects of its reporting. If you believe we have made an error, please contact us at (626) 585-7130 or via email to michaels.courier@gmail.com

ONLINE POLL RESULTS Online, we asked: Should colleges use drones in the classroom to catch cheaters during exams? Results as of 5 p.m. Wednesday: Yes, slackers don’t need a pass: 43 % No, I need to pass: 12 % Who cares? I have other means of passing: 43 %

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A&E

February 13, 2014

COURIER 5

In good ‘Company’ with Sondheim Monique LeBleu Staff Writer

The inaugural production in the Little Theatre inside the Center for the Arts will be Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s “Company,” a popular musical comedy that explores the nature of relationships. At the center is Bobby, a single man, whose 35th birthday party connects a series of vignettes that feature five couples - his friends - and their relationships. Whitney Rydbeck, director and theatre arts professor at PCC, is a purist when it comes to adhering to the script, and feels that one particular song sums up what “Company” is all about. “I think the theme is stated in Sorry-Grateful,” said Rydbeck. “You’re always sorry. You’re always grateful. Which really says what it is. Relationships don’t work themselves. Both parties have to work at making them work. And then the benefit and the prize come from that.” The scent of freshly cut wood hovers with the sounds of set construction and crews hustling to complete in time for rehearsal. The approximately 100-seat “thrust” theatre, where the audience surrounds the stage on three sides, is glossy with newness and dozens of virgin Leko light fixtures line up like soldiers above the sparkling new grid secured above the stage. A solid dozen cast members, prepared to sing and perform dance numbers, assembled around the newly-constructed set designed to hold an orchestra atop. With opening night just a few weeks away, during a back-stage line run between two actors, an actress had a physical mishap, twisting her knee while rehearsing. But in line with the familiar mantra, “the show must go on”, she returned - crutches in hand to support a sprain rejoining the rehearsal. Given the contemporary nature of the original play written in 1971, there are references to the use of marijuana in one particular scene, which features the characters Bobby, David and Jenny. Rydbeck reiterated his stance that he plans to adhere to

Benjamin Simpson/Courier Director Whitney Rydbeck watches on during the rehersals for the musical comedy ‘Company.’ They play opens on Friday Feb. 21 and runs until Mar. 9.

the script. “We are doing it as written,” he said. “There’s nothing censored in this. There’s no reason to censor that. It’s a very funny scene.” In his first production at Pasadena City College, velvet-voiced Oscar Gubelman, who hails from Seattle, spoke about his insight into his character, the commitment-phobic Bobby. “Bobby is me, which is why I was so attracted to this part,” he said. “He’s a good guy. Everyone likes him. He is slightly selfish, I think, but not in a malicious way. He doesn’t know what he wants, which is why I think this play is so relatable.” Actress, Keri Seymour, tall and self-assured, recently returned to PCC to complete her degree after a 10 year stint

in New York theatre. She plays Joanne and lovingly describes her character as “a drunkard”, “witty” and “Queen of Zingers.” Seymour is poised to perform the quintessential Sondheim number – the comically-bittersweet “Ladies Who Lunch.” “It’s typecasting!,” she laughed. “It’s probably the best typecasting. You can ask the cast. [Like Joanne] I come off really brash. I’m loud, I swear more than my mother would like, and well I live up to my Irish-Sicilian roots - I can drink. But the vulnerability and the fear that she has - I can really relate to.” “Company” opens Friday, Feb. 21 in the Little Theatre.

Benjamin Simpson/Courier Oscar Gubleman, right, performing as the lead character Bobby, sings during the rehersal for the musical comedy ‘Company.’

Jazz string quartet livens up gloomy day Emma Koffroth Staff Writer

The upright bassist begins with walking bass lines reminiscent of a beat poetry performance and fitting for the relaxed vibe of a cloudy school day. The Strings Attached ensemble quartet’s leader, Alex Heflin, is the only other member playing initially. He accompanies the basslines with a mandolin sprinkling high pitched melody in what seems to initially be a jam session between the two players. “Basically we all meet each other and

became interested in one another’s playing. It’s hard to find people that play the same kind of music” Heflin said. About 20 meandering students served as the audience for the group as they commenced their Strings Attached performance at noon in the hollow amphitheater on the west side of the Center of the Arts building. The guitarist, Bryan Dedlow, joins from seemingly nowhere at 10 minutes later and the group really begins to gain momentum with intricate melodies being thrown back and forth between mandolin and guitar.

“I’m musically influenced by pretty much anything,” Dedlow said. “Shaking hands with a friend, a beautiful sky, even the sound of traffic. When I started playing I learned by listening to Jimi Hendrix and the Beatles”. About 30 minutes in, the violin player joined and adds a smooth sound to the melody of twangy guitar and mandolin. By the end of their hour-long performance, all players have had their fair share of solos and applause and the crowd grew to about 50 people. “Almost every week a band will be playing out here,” instructor Andrea

Wilkinson said of her plans for the space. Strings Attached came to Wilkinson, instructor for the The Jazz Experience class, at the beginning of the semester with their concept for the group. The quartet’s primary musical influence is Django (Jean) Reinhardt, a prominent gypsy jazz guitarist. The group that formed a year ago also plays shows outside of PCC at public venues as well as private events. According to Dedlow, it’s always fun to play on campus, but private events like weddings are great because they usually have food.

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SCENE

February 13, 2014

COURIER

FEATURES

COURIER

February 13, 2014

Studying voodoo dolls, psychics and witches Emma Koffroth Staff Writer

When browsing for classes to take during the upcoming semester, it is hard to miss this title in the course catalog: Anthropology of Religion, Magic and Witchcraft. The class’s title gives it a bizarre connotation but in reality it is a common area of study for anthropologists. At UCLA, the course is called Anthropology of Religion. The name of the course here at PCC retains “witchcraft” partially due to its occult appeal. Several instructors teach the course this semester and one of whom, Andrea Murray, will be teaching it in London for the spring semester abroad. Derek Milne, a professor who teaches it on campus, assigns some colorful coursework that includes the creation of a “voodoo doll” and a divination assignment. Using ritual means to learn about the future, divination

includes anything religious that involves predicting the future. “I’ve had a few students that have been fundamentalist Christian or Orthodox Jewish or Muslim who have had difficulty with the assignments because they feel like the assignments themselves go against their religious beliefs,” Milne said. “I give people alternatives. The fundamentalist Christian wrote a paper on Christian prophecy.” While trying to be inclusive of his students, Milne has also managed to be supportive of local business— without trying. In fact, he was once thanked by a local fortune teller for dramatically increasing her business. Edwin Rodriguez, an atheist history major, seems to fit in to Milne’s observation of the typical student who enrolls in the course. Milne said intrigued students are generally people who have intellectual interest in the occult or who are agnostic or atheist but find religion fascinating. “I am looking forward to the Divination assignment, writing about that experience and creat-

Photos by Nagisa Mihara/Courier Professor Derek Milne with some voodoo dolls he has students make for his class in his office at the C Building on Jan 28. Milne teaches Anthropology of Religion, Magic and Witchcraft.

ing a voodoo doll,” said currently enrolled student, Edwin Rodriguez. “I have always thought religion and the role it plays in how a society develops and is structured is an interesting field to study,” Rodriguez said. Another instructor who teaches the course on campus is Lee Coltman. He seems passionate about

sparking an inquisitive spirit in his students, which seems like an important trait for anthropologists. “My job is to offer what my field has said—how we’ve collected data and how other people have come up with answers. To ask the question, not to have a personal answer,” Coltman said. The course fills the same

requirement as cultural anthropology, so if that is a student’s academic to-do list and they are the adventurous type, step right up. Sorry Harry Potter fans, this isn’t defense against the dark arts, but it is a course to expand horizons and open your mind to the magical beliefs and practices that other cultures have to offer.

Alumna finds success as a writer for E! Online Andrew Salmi Staff Writer

The concept of patience can be extremely difficult for a lot of people to deal with. However, achieving success over time is not something that usually comes easy. Sometimes it takes a change of a college major to provide that spark toward a true calling. Bruna Nessif, a former member of the PCC Courier staff and Lancer Radio, went on to graduate from Cal State Fullerton in 2011 and now writes articles daily for E! Online. Her decision to change her psychology major early in college ultimately opened a door for success. “There came a point when I realized that being a psychologist may not be the best route for me, so I remembered how much I enjoyed to write and began pursuing journalism,” said Nessif. “I was never certain that I would end up as a writer, especially since I ultimately decided to focus on broadcast journalism. But I’m happy with the way things panned out.” Outside of writing about celebrities, fashion and other current events for E! Online, she started her own blog a little over a year ago called “The Problem with Dating” which has continued to gain popularity over time. “I’ve wanted to write about dating for years, but never went through with it. I met with my former colleague and friend Liz Hernandez, who was working with E! News Now, and I told her I really wanted to brand myself. She told me I should have my own website and asked what I would want to write about,” said Nessif regarding her website, which centers on topics such as love, relationships, and

Photo Courtesy of Bruna Nessif Bruna Nessif, former PCC student and a veteran of the Courier staff and Lancer Radio, now writes for E! Online and writes her own blog called “The Problem with Dating.”

dating experiences. Over the past year of writing her blog, additions she makes continue to change her perspective and make her even more open-minded about the dating world along the way. “Because I write about things so openly and honestly, rereading my posts gives me more insight into the way I handle relationships and dating,” said Nessif. “Another part of me wonders if I go after certain guys or go on dates simply to get a story out of it for the blog. I’ve noticed that as my love life goes downhill, my blog goes uphill. Obviously, when things are going poorly in the romance department, I have more to write about. But I have to remind myself that this can’t dictate my love life.”

PCC TV/Radio instructor Scott Carter, whom Nessif considers one of her mentors, said he has always envisioned her achieving the accomplishments she has so far in life for as long as he’s known her. “After watching her in my Live Radio Workshop I could tell she was a ‘natural’ with the skill and inner motivation to become a true pro,” Carter said of his former student, who he still stays in touch with regularly. “Bruna has both the focus and ability to be on the air with guests and be totally aware of the time constraints of a broadcast and communicate visually with her producer and board operator.” “I base my evaluation of her on more than 25 years as a commercial broadcaster. I know the difference between those

who are ready to work and those who aren’t,” Carter proudly added. Barbara Naylor, an assistant professor of video production and media writing at PCC, was also quick to compliment Nessif on how she carries herself throughout her work. “She’s upbeat, enthusiastic, dedicated, and a quick learner,” said Naylor. “You never really know how a student will do in the labor market with so many variables, especially in the entertainment industry, but she had drive and determination.” To get where she is today, Bruna has continuously overcome different types of struggles in the competitive field of broadcast journalism. “Sometimes you have to question people’s motives,” she claimed. “Are they really trying to help me or are they going to stab me in the back? I also have to be careful of what I do or say or post on the Internet, because somebody is always taking notice and I’m not just ‘Bruna’ anymore. I represent a company and the brand.” As for people who aspire to achieve success as a journalist just like her, Bruna noted some attributes and a certain mentality that a writer should carry with them going forward. She added that it is of great importance to be a very respectful worker to surrounding people, which has greatly benefited her as a major key to success. “I started as an intern and that’s how I got my foot in the door,” she said. “Show your skills, work with as many people in the company as you can, take initiative and learn. But you have to remember that being a good writer is only half of it. The other half is having good work ethic.”

FEATURES

February 13, 2014

COURIER

Ethnic World Dance: A percussive flourish Lucy Patrikian Staff Writer

Dance is a form of expression that could be traced back to the dawn of time. Being a common factor in most cultures, PCC offers multiple dance courses, including World Ethnic Dance class, which focuses on dance styles from all over the globe. Clara Corona, a World Ethnic Dance professor here on campus, describes the course as an adventure and a great experience. Her class focuses on Spanish and Portuguese ethnic dance, particularly Flamenco. “Everybody takes away something personal,” Corona said. “Flamenco is about the individual. It’s about your personal experience and your personal expression. Some people leave

with a sense of confidence they never had, and with the sense of security that they can challenge themselves and meet those challenges.” The class covers the different roles, beats, rhythms, and dance within Flamenco, how it’s put together and its representation of the roots of Spain and Portugal. The students within the course then proceed to actually put themselves in the process of forming this multi-elemental dance. Jeff Miles, a student of this course, describes Flamenco as fierce and powerful. “It’s very rhythmical. Every sound you make has to be in unison with the music. You’re a percussionist with your feet,” Miles said. “You get to let out all your passion that you built up throughout the day.” “Instead of getting angry, you

can pound it out on the floor and be fierce and have a good time,” she added. Helen Martinez, another student in the course, described it as a lot of fun. “I’ve learned how to isolate my body,” Martinez said. “I’m not afraid to throw myself out there and look awkward anymore.” Though some students take the class because it covers the diversity requirement for an A.A. and A.S. degree, others take it because it gives them a worldly experience right here in Pasadena. “It’s a really different experience,” Corona said. “There’s a humanity in this class. This thing that people can relate to. Every dance form has something very unique to it, and Flamenco really puts you in a different spot.”

Nagisa Mihara/Courier Clarita Corona teaches the Fandango, a couples dance from Spain on Feb. 3 at the W building.

to make the train ride tolerable, for others, action needs to be taken. Such is the case for Cassidy Barka, undecided, who takes the bus to and from school. She says she has concerns about her safety. “There are passengers who threaten everyone,” Barka said. “I think the bus drivers should observe how passengers interact.” Mackenzie Delgado, broadcasting, carries mace with her and refuses to take the Red Line or Gold Line trains to Los Angeles because she says the riders are “sketchy.” Her alternative route to Los Angeles involves taking the bus instead. “I was harassed by a man,” Delgado said of her experience on the train. “He was singing a Drake song and touching women. Finally an older woman told him to leave [the women] alone.” Yet despite traumatic experiences, some students are simply bound to public transportation. Whether it is because high gas prices or the lack of a car, sometimes overlooking the potential dangers of riding the bus is what needs to be done. According to Lopez, a man was sleeping in the corner of two seats with his backpack wide

open. Another man, with t-shirts wrapped around the top and bottom of his face, paced back and forth before sitting next to the sleeping man and snatching his wallet out of his open backpack. Lopez witnessed the whole

thing but wasn’t quite sure of what to do. “I didn’t want to go against him, I was just a kid,” said Lopez. “He stood up with the wallet and got off at the next stop.”

Public transportation: an adventure not for the faint of heart Mary Nurrenbern Contributing Writer

The Vermont Santa Monica stop is no stranger to episodes of violence. In January, a man was killed after being stabbed, and just three weeks later, a man was treated for injuries after allegedly leaping in front of an oncoming train on the Red Line. Public transportation can be the site of both sketchy situations and sketchy people. Buses and trains usually make for interesting rides - after all, public transportation has been known to attract vibrant characters for a long time. Angel Chavarin, media studies, who describes himself as one of the interesting characters on the bus with his gothic flare, said he often has strange experiences on the bus. “I experience crazy people three out of five times I take public transportation,” Chavarin said, opting to just “mind his own business.” “I saw a guy on the bus just screaming (for no reason) one time on the bus,” said Chavarin And while just giving the cold shoulder to the suspicious and the mysterious is just one remedy

Daniel Valencia/Courier Emergency call box at Allen Station on Tuesday morning.

Despite their scary experiences, some students are simply bound to public transportation. Sometimes overlooking the potential dangers of riding the bus is what needs to be done to get from point A to point B.

10 COURIER

LIFESTYLE

February 13, 2014

Overcoming the lure of distraction Justin Clay Online Editor

Photo Illustration by Billy Beans Skelly Facebook is one of many websites that easily distracts students from school work.

The Internet has been a part of our every day lives for decades now, and every day there are more things online to consume at faster speeds. We use the Internet to watch movies and TV, listen to and download music, make friends, and even find potential love interests. The International Business Times reported last week that a field test in London achieved the fastest Internet speed ever at 1.4 Terabits, which is the equivalent to 44 HD movies being downloaded in one second. Since we live in a society where the same machines we use for work can also be used for entertainment, how much distraction is too much? Some students have to find new and creative ways to maintain their focus while doing work with so many amusing diversions at their fingertips. “I get distracted all the time. I return to focus with some difficulty, but I generally just keep an eye on the clock and know when assignments are due,“ said Arthur Gregorian, economics. Architecture student Candace Wu takes a different approach. Wu believes that taking small breaks between work helps to

keep the mind fresh. “I give myself time to check Facebook and go online to take a break from studying for a little while, and then I get back to what I was doing,” said Wu. “Moderation is the key,” she added. “If you spend too much time studying, you’ll get burned out, so you should take a break every few hours and decompress and then finish what you’re doing.” Some students have to take extreme measures to make sure that they maintain focus on what their doing. “I usually just have to turn everything off so that I don’t get distracted. I put my computer under my bed until the work is done,” said Eric Gomez, sociology. “Drink a lot of water, that always calms me down. Find a good study space, don’t call or text anyone and if someone calls you, don’t call them back. Psychology professor Julie Kiotas warns students on the danger of thinking that they can focus on more than one thing at a time. “What we think is multitasking is instead something called channel switching,” said Kiotas. “Psychologists have conducted studies and what they found is that we are really only able to fully attend to one thing at a time. Although we think that

we are studying, responding to Facebook and texting, we are actually switching channels, very much like switching stations on a television and unable to focus on one thing at a time.” Kiotas says that in order to truly retain something, students have to process it at a very deep level in which you can make it applicable to them. “Just reading the textbook isn’t enough, you have to apply the material to your life and try to understand its application in the world,” Kiotas said. “Only then are you likely to remember it long term and make it meaningful to you. And you can’t do that unless you’re fully focused on it.” Kiotas also stressed the importance of getting started in a timely manner. “Often times we procrastinate so much at the beginning that if we had begun, we would have been better off just by starting.” Gregorian has sound advice for people who have a hard time repelling the lure of the numerous diversions online. “I have friends that constantly play games and leave their assignments until the last minute, but tell them to keep an eye on how much time you have and tell yourself that if you get done early, you’ll have all the free time to go online anyway,” he said.

Dating in the modern era: what does it mean? Janel Leonard Asst. Lifestyle Editor

Webster’s Dictionary defines a date as “an activity with someone you might have a romantic relationship with” but the word means different things to different people. “Dating’s not a Rubik’s cube, it’s a jigsaw puzzle,” said Joseph Sepulveda, undecided. “It can be confusing, but its not a mathematical equation. Putting the right pieces in place, it gets easier to see the bigger picture.” How can you tell if you’re on a date? It’s a hard question considering that the concept of dating revolves around society, which has transformed through the years. That concept has changed

from courtship to going steady, then accelerating to speed dating and now online dating. These shifts have switched up what we consider a date and the process of making one. Time Magazine and USA Today reported on a dating survey done by ChristianMingle.com and JDate.com that concluded that when out with a potential love interest, 69 percent of singles have absolutely no idea if they’re on a date or just “hanging out.” PCC students around campus have a common confusion when it comes to dating in 2014. “We don’t date these days, we ‘talk,’” Asha Polliam, dance, said. Talking allows the comfort of getting to know someone without the pressure of labeling.

The level of formality in dating has taken a drastic fall. Dating seems to be becoming a more casual concept than dinner and a movie. Another common confusion when it comes to dating is knowing whether or not its a date or a “booty call.” This can lead to some embarrassing moments. To steer clear of any awkwardness, PCC students gave some tips on differentiating the two. “If he hits you up after 10 p.m., he doesn’t want to hear about your day, he wants something else,” Kijhe Combs, international studies, said. “The beauty of a booty call is that is can happen at any time,” said Luis Villagrona, engineering. “Very straight forward, usually a

Andrew French/Courier Sweet Tarts Hearts are a common gift for Valentines Day.

text asking if they want to come over. They understand the rest.” So how do you know if it’s a date?

Both genders agreed that each party needs to be aware in order for it to be a date. Otherwise, you’re just friends hanging out.

Are you ‘about that life’ or are you just an internet poseur? Lucy Patrikian Staff Writer

With social media becoming our generation’s most common form of communication, people are able to share whatever they wish about themselves to all of their friends, family, and even strangers with a click of a button. But the convenience and security of hiding behind a keyboard or a smart phone makes it so simple to exaggerate how awesome one’s life really is. Which begs the question: are you ‘about that life’ or are you just another poseur on the

Internet? “You see people on the Internet who always seem to be out partying, or having a good time, but when you actually hang out with them, it’s funny because they’re not what you expect them to be,” said student Mackenzie Pelgado. “You see these people and laugh because they’re trying so hard to make themselves something they’re not.” People will over-extend themselves on social networks to become noticed, or to become “instafamous”, which is defined on UrbanDictionary.com as a person who’s famous on the popular app Ins-

tagram because they have thousands of followers and get hundreds of likes. “Nobody needs to know your personal life. You put those things out there to be exposed,” said Lawrence Philips, Biology major. “I know so many people who post a lot of money on Instagram, but don’t even pay their bills…Where are your priorities?” The current generation thrives on the publicity they get via social networking. The more likes they get, the better they feel about themselves. Like Philips said, where are your priorities? “The biggest poseurs of all time are

people who say they have a life because they’re mingling online with people but what they really need to do is go get a life,” said Micah Howlett, music. Students across campus agreed that if you spend more time in front of the mirror taking flexing selfies than you do at the gym, you are not “about that life.” Or if you spend more time tweeting about how much fun you’re having as opposed to actually having fun, then you are not about that life. It’s simple: don’t get so caught up in the hype of online networking that you forget to network in real life.

SPORTS

February 13, 2014

COURIER

Swim team preps for season opener

Charles Winners/Courier Ryan Caceres of the PCC swim team practices his butterfly stroke. The Lancers are ready to take on the competition and are anticipating a strong season. Samantha Molina Staff Writer

After a challenging yet successful 2013 the Lancers return with a quality team and anticipate a strong season. Although the Lancers finished in 8th and 25th place at the CCCAA State Meet and 5th and 6th at the South Coast Conference Finals, where they ended the season with a total of ten gold medals. Shannon Cheung received three of the ten gold medals and broke the 14-year-

FOOTBALL Continued from page 1

Not to be outdone, sophomore tackle Miguel Machado has committed to Big-10 powerhouse Michigan State. The Spartans won their conference, and the Rose Bowl, while finishing with a national rank of No. 3 for the 2013 season. Even though Machado did not speak highly of his stint with the Lancers, he appears to have confidence in his abilities to succeed at the next level. “PCC was just a minor set back [sic] but Michigan state is going to be my major comeback…” Machado wrote in a message posted on Twitter Wednesday. Machado declined to be interviewed by the Courier. Machado spent a majority of the 2013 season playing left tackle, considered the most important part of any offensive line (with an offense that is run by a right-handed quarterback). If he continues to be a standout on the O-line, especially for a nationally top-ranked program, he could get the attention of NFL scouts. Fimbres said student athletes definitely receive the support needed for success at PCC, but there is no comparison to the resources and support systems provided by Division I universities, especially those with the budget of a large, Big-12 school, such as Iowa State. Fimbres believes Pierson will succeed at the next level. “They’ve seen his competition on the field during spring practice already. And they still recruited Dalyou. He was recruited to be an impact player.” Pierson said that one of the reasons he committed to the Cyclones was that they “have the same defense as Pasadena. I don’t have to change, just get better.” Pasadena runs a 4-3 defense, unlike some schools that recruited him, such as the University of Arizona. Pierson and the Cyclones will battle it out with some of college football’s biggest powerhouses, such as Texas, Oklahoma, Baylor, and Kansas State next season.

old South Coast Conference record for the 200-yard individual medley. Cheung was also named the SCC Swimmer of the Year. “I’ve been continuing to train hard through summer and fall,” Cheung said. “I’ve been putting a lot of work in lately so we’ll see where I’ll be as the season progresses.” Though the women’s team is comparatively small, the Lancers have acquired a few more swimmers, all of whom are ready to compete. “We usually have a small team com-

pared to other schools like Chaffey and Mt. SAC,” Cheung said. “But we have a lot of quality swimmers this season and we’re all pretty competitive.” “All the girls are capable of scoring top ten in conference,” head coach Terry Stoddard added. The men’s team has no returning swimmers from last season but Flinn Crosby from the 2011 season has returned to the Lancers roster. Also coming in this season is freshman Mohammed Esmaeilian, a student from Iran. “I’m really excited to compete,” Es-

meailian said. “I’ve never competed in the United States so I’m looking forward to that.” With a group of great swimmers the Lancers are ready to take on the competition. “Both the men’s and women’s teams are evenly matched with Chaffey College and Mt. SAC,” Stoddard said. “Our stiffest competition is Cerritos College and Long Beach City College.” The Lancers kick off their 2014 season Friday Feb. 14 at East LA College for the South Coast Conference Pentathlon.

Men’s basketball breaks losing streak against East LA College Daron Grandberry Sports Editor

The Lancers men’s basketball team picked up a hard fought road victory in its 73-72 win over division rivals East Los Angeles College Friday. Snapping a three-game losing streak, the Lancers (18-8, 6-4) overcame a 12-point second half deficit to defeat the Huskies (17-8, 6-4). With the victory, the Lancers are now tied with the Huskies for first place in the division with 6-4 South Coast Conference records. “It was a much needed win for us,” sophomore forward Rashad Smith said. “We knew it was either win or we would’ve been out of the playoffs. Everyone felt the same way and we didn’t want to give up everything we’ve been working hard for.” After trailing for the majority of the game, the sophomore forward drilled a trey with 12 minutes left in the game. Smith’s 3-pointer helped charge the Lancers’ run and cut a 57-50 ELAC lead to four points. Sophomore forward Taj Spencer rebounded from a disappointing performance against LA Harbor to lead the Lancers with 21 points and five rebounds, while connecting on 8-of-15 from the field. Spencer recorded 15 of his game-high 21 points in the second half comeback. “We knew we had to win,” Spencer said. “We didn’t start the way we wanted to but we finished strong and pulled it out in the end.” With 8:15 remaining in the game Spencer connected on a jumper to give the Lancers a 60-59 lead. ELAC regained the lead at 68-66 on a layup by freshman guard Davian Wilson, but the Lancers answered back with a 3-point bomb by freshman shooting guard Adrian Miles. Sophomore point guard Jeffrey Dockett poured in 20 points, four rebounds and three assists to help the Lancers keep their playoff hopes alive. Freshman guard Brandon Joseph was important in the victory, scoring 11 points, making 5-of-6 from the field, and adding three steals for the Lancers. “We control our own destiny,” Smith said. “We just have to win out. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t clinch our conference.” Freshman guard Jevon Shields returned to the lineup for the Lancers after missing the previous game with an ankle injury. “I feel much better,” Shields said. “I’ll be ready to go next game and help my team any way I can.” Freshman center Faruk Oyalade added six points and nine rebounds for the Lancers while Miles finished the game with

Benjamin Simpson/Courier Jeffrey Dockett is fouled by Davian Wilson while attempting a layup against East Los Angeles College in Monterey Park on Friday. The Lancers won 73-72 in a game that went down to the last second. ELAC and PCC are both in first place with 6-4 records with three games left to play.

eight points. For ELAC (17-8), Je’Ron Primus scored 16 points and Wilson added 15. The Lancers next host Mt. San Antonio College on Friday, Feb. 14 in their final home game of the regular season. Tip-off at Hutto-Patterson Gymnasium is scheduled for 7 p.m.

SPORTS

12 COURIER

February 13, 2013

Women’s basketball’s dynamic duo Lucy Patrikian Staff Writer

The PCC women’s basketball team currently ranks No. 4 in the state and is in the midst of a five game winning streak thanks to the leadership of co-captains Kaitlyn Parks and Desiree Loving who have acted as the team’s dynamic duo. “They are the backbones of our team” said head coach Joe Peron. “The team loves them. We have a little family here, and our family is getting closer and closer. Their leadership has helped tremendously.” So far averaging 12.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, Loving said that basketball to her means opportunity and success. “What motivates me this year the most is wanting to win a championship,” Loving said. “What motivates me overall, is that it keeps me out of trouble, you can learn a lot from basketball.” Now in her second year playing for the Lancers, Loving said that she’s been feeling good about the team this year. “I’ve never been able to carry my team before,” Loving said. “This is my first year as a point guard leading the team, and I

Charles Winners/Courier Desiree Loving, left, and Kaitlyn Parks, right, pose for a portrait before practice on Tuesday at Hutto-Patterson Gymnasium.

feel a sense of great accomplishment and I hope to take it further.” Loving spends time studying off the court, hopes to play basketball overseas one day and has ambitions to make it to the WNBA.

“They are two of my threesome that are playing really well right now,” Peron said. “They are probably the most consistent members of the team as well. I’m really proud of the way Desiree has lead our team, and I’m really impressed and proud with

Kaitlyn Park’s performance.” Parks, currently averaging 13 points and eight rebounds per game, said that she believes it was her willingness to work hard, her willingness to learn, and her willingness to lead that got her to where she is today.

“Honestly, I never wanted to play basketball. My mom signed me up for every sport she could get me in, and so she signed me up for basketball, and it kind of just stuck with me,” Parks said. “What inspires me is just too be better. I have a hunger, I feel like I just have to play.” Parks said that she is optimistic about how the rest of the season will unfold. “Some of the losses we shouldn’t have had, some Ls you have to take,” she said. “What’s going to keep our streak is hunger. We always have to be hungry, we always have to go out there and give our all. Leave nothing; put it all on the court.” Off the court, Parks described herself as a nerd. She’s currently working on a book and has a passion for writing. The rest of the season is looking bright for the Lancer’s with the motivation and desire these girls have for the sport. “It’s still one game at a time, we have three games left in conference,” Peron said. “Our goal right now is to continue to better our defense so we can win on Friday night. We hope to finish off next week with two wins and be a really low seed in the playoffs. I’m shooting for three home games.”

Lancer baseball goes through highs and lows Andrew Salmi Asst. Sports Editor

The Lancers baseball team suffered a setback on Tuesday by coming out completely flat from the get-go as they were decimated 17-0 by LA Mission College at Jackie Robinson Memorial Field when the offense could only manage two hits and committed five errors on defense. The loss was by far the worst of the season for the Lancers, and head coach O’Meara made that very clear. “There were a lot of really bad mental mistakes. Everybody that could have made a mistake today made at least one mistake just from the start,” said O’Meara. “You will play the way you practice, and there was no compete at all from the start of the game.” This game came as a shock since the Lancers played so well in their doubleheader against Cerro Coso College on Saturday, Feb. 8. As the sky became dark over Jackie Robinson Memorial Field on Saturday night, Lancer freshman right fielder Steven San Miguel knew it was do or die for him and his teammates. Down 4-3 to Cerro Coso with two outs and runners on second and third base, it took one swing in the bottom of the ninth inning to make San Miguel a hero. Cerro Coso right fielder Kevin Maxey, a prospect drafted in round 17 of the 2012 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles

Dodgers despite going unsigned, was already playing somewhat shallow in right field. San Miguel promptly smacked a long double over Maxey’s head in the darkness for a walk-off two-run double, making Pasadena victorious by a score of 5-4 as San Miguel’s teammates ran out to congratulate him at second base. “What was going through my mind was not letting my team down,” said San Miguel after the game. “I don’t look into the individual stats and stuff because the team always comes first.” The victory was part of a doubleheader in which the Lancers defeated Cerro Coso 9-5 in the first game, followed by the 5-4 comeback win to wrap up the day on Saturday. During the first game of the doubleheader, Lancer freshman center fielder PJ DeZotell continued his masterful play from the start of the season by adding five RBI in both games. Three came on one swing in the first game when he had a base-clearing double in the bottom of the second inning. DeZotell, who won the “Southern California Player of the Week” award in California Community College Baseball for the first week of the season, is batting .385 on the season and leads the entire South Coast Conference with nine RBI. “PJ (DeZotell) has some extraordinary capabilities,” said Lancer head coach Evan O’Meara. “He’s simply been a super addition for us as a solid

Barney Soto/Courier PCC baseball relief pitcher Andy Velarde throws a pitch against LA Mission College at Brookside Park on Tuesday. Pasadena was blown out 17-0.

center fielder and hitter.” In the first game, Lancer sophomore starting pitcher Brian Cuiriz was mostly masterful on the mound as he pitched seven innings while giving up three runs while freshman pitcher Joseph Magdaleno came into the game to pitch the last two innings. On offense, sophomore shortstop Bobby Fraijo scored two runs and freshman left fielder Jimmy Cramer smashed an RBI triple to left-center field past center fielder Kesean Neighbors. Starting the second game on the mound for the Lancers was

freshman pitcher Zach Britt, who is from Orlando, Florida. Britt struck out three batters in 5.1 innings while allowing only two runs. Freshman pitcher Calvin Bonilla helped Britt out in the sixth inning by getting out of a bases-loaded jam, striking out Cerro Coso pinch hitter Miguel Gonzalez and causing second baseman Ezekiel Johnson to ground into a force play. “To have your pitchers come in and keep the opposing team down is exactly what we want,” said Lancer assistant coach Dave Walters. “They threw a lot of good pitches and I’m very

happy.” On offense in the second game, DeZotell struck again with a blooping single to left field to tie the game at two apiece in the bottom of the sixth inning. Sophomore catcher Jason Clark had two hits and two walks on the day and freshman designated hitter Nick Perez had three hits and an RBI on the day. The Lancers will look to bounce back strong on Tuesday, Feb. 18 when they host Grossmont College at Jackie Robinson Memorial Field at 2 p.m.